Pacific Emerald Dove

The Pacific emerald dove, also known as the brown-capped emerald dove, is a pigeon of medium stature, typically measuring between 23 to 28 centimeters in length. It boasts a striking emerald green back and wings, while its flight feathers and tail present a darker hue. In flight, one can observe the contrasting black and white bars on its lower back.

Identification Tips

Males are distinguished by a white patch on the shoulder's edge and a grey crown, absent in females. Females exhibit a more brownish complexion with a subtle grey shoulder mark. The immature birds are similar to females but can be identified by the brown scalloped patterns on their body and wing plumage.

Habitat

This species thrives in a variety of environments, including rainforests, dense wet woodlands, farms, gardens, mangroves, and coastal heaths.

Distribution

The Pacific emerald dove has a widespread presence, from the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Indonesia to northern and eastern Australia.

Subspecies

There are four recognized subspecies of the Pacific emerald dove:

• C. l. timorensis - eastern Lesser Sundas
• C. l. longirostris - northern Australia
• C. l. rogersi - eastern Australia, Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands, New Guinea
• C. l. sandwichensis - Santa Cruz and Banks Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia

Behaviour

These doves are often found alone, in pairs, or small groups. They are quite terrestrial, foraging for fallen fruit on the ground and spending less time in trees, except when roosting. They are adept at weaving through forests when flying and, if disturbed, are more likely to walk away than take flight. They are known to be generally tame and approachable.

Song & Calls

The call of the Pacific emerald dove is a soft, moaning coo, consisting of six to seven coos that start quietly and crescendo. They also emit a nasal "hoo-hoo-hoon." During courtship, males perform a distinctive bobbing dance.

Breeding

The breeding season varies by region, with spring or early summer marking the season in southeastern Australia, and the end of the dry season in northern Australia. They construct a modest stick nest in a tree, up to five meters high, and lay two cream-colored eggs.

Diet and Feeding

Pacific emerald doves have a diet consisting of seeds and fruits from a wide array of plants.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Pacific emerald dove as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival.